Summer/Fall Visitors Guide

Spend time in the Highlands

June 28, 2012

Known as "the heartbeat of the Potomac Highlands," Grant County offers visitors a relaxing getaway while offering an assortment of recreational activities for all ages.

Located in northeastern West Virginia, Grant County's 487 square miles contain a galore of natural wonders and outdoor activities.

The county is home to one of the most well-known caverns in West Virginia. Smoke Hole Caverns is located on Route 55 just eight miles from Petersburg, the county seat. The year-round attraction is home to the world's longest ribbon stalactite.

Article Photos

Photo courtesy of J. Stephen ConnWith a long history, Grant County was formed in 1866 and named for Ulysses S. Grant. The county contains one of the best-preserved Civil War fortifications in West Virginia, Fort Mulligan Earthen Fort. The site is shown here.

Eagle's Nest Outfitters provides thrills by canoes, duckies, kayaks or rafts on the south branch of the Potomac River for all skill levels. The Outfitters location offers 12 scenic river trips, a variety of hiking and biking trails, as well as camping and fishing locations galore.

Fishing locations abound throughout Grant County on the South Branch of the Potomac River, the North Fork of the South Branch, the Smoke Hole Big Bend Recreation Area and Campground and the Abrams's Creek Retreat and Campground. South Mill Creek Lake and Mount Storm Lake also offer locations for fishing and water sport activities.

South Mill Creek Lake, 50 acres in size, is located 12 miles south of Petersburg on South Mill Creek Road. It offers fishing, a modern boat ramp and a handicapped fishing pier. The lake contains crappie, trout, large-mouth bass, sunfish and catfish.

Mount Storm Lake is a 1,200-acre lake built to serve the Mount Storm Power Station. The lake is a recreational resource for water skiers, wind surfers and sailors. The lake is home to large-mouth bass, channel catfish and sunfish.

Grant County is also home to two trout hatcheries, the Petersburg Hatchery and Spring Run Hatchery, located south of Petersburg in Dorcas.

With a long history, Grant County was formed in 1866 and named for Ulysses Simpson Grant, the general of the Union Army and 18th president of the United States. The county contains one of the best-preserved Civil War fortifications in West Virginia, Fort Mulligan Earthen Fort. The county is also home to Top Kicks Military Museum in Petersburg, one of the most unique military museums in West Virginia.

Visitors also can take a trip back in time by visiting the South Side Depot in Petersburg, which offers authentic West Virginia arts, crafts and specialty foods. The restored railroad depot is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

To find more information about Grant County attractions, anyone interested can visit the Convention and Visitors Bureau at at 126 S. Main St. in Petersburg, or visit www.grantcountywva.com or call 304-257-9266.